Led by Helen Grose & Andrew McLachlan
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Imagine paddling a traditional voyageur canoe along one of the most remote, dramatic stretches of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Expect endless horizons, wave-sculpted coasts, pebble beaches and boreal forest right to the water’s edge - the North Shore’s alternating rocky headlands and cobble beaches create unforgettable opportunities for landscape photographers.
Trip Snapshot
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Sunday, August 2: Arrive at Rock Island Lodge, gear up for the expedition, introductory test paddle in the Voyageur Canoe on the Michipicoten River
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Monday, August 3 - Friday, August 7: Paddle the Voyageur Canoe along the 25km stretch of Superior’s North Shore to the Dog River in Nimoosh Provincial Park
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Number of participants: minimum 7, maximum 9
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This tour is led by Naturally Superior Adventure’s wilderness guides who are experienced paddlers with leadership & wilderness first aid training. They have an intimate knowledge of the coastline and the best campsites, and are talented wilderness chefs!
What is a Voyageur Canoe
​It is a very stable 36’ canoe designed to transport people, trade goods and cargo across large waterways and rivers during the fur trade era. The seats are a traditional platform style with two paddlers per row. It allows us to land at remote beaches and coves inaccessible by larger vessels and overland vehicles.​
Sunday, August 2 - Friday, August 7, 2026
Why this is a bucket-list photo adventure?
Lake Superior’s coast is a photographer’s playground: dramatic shorelines, hidden waterfalls that spill into the lake, island chains and long pebble beaches that catch morning and evening light in magical ways. Our multi-day itinerary offers the opportunity to explore pristine coastal routes well off the beaten path. We’ll paddle sheltered bays and, when conditions allow, cross exposed water to reach spectacular vantage points — a variety of landscapes that reward both wide vistas and intimate detail work.
What we’ll do (overview)
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We’ll paddle on the mighty Superior and land at backcountry beaches and headlands for snack/lunch breaks and photographic opportunities. How far we paddle each day depends on Lake Superior’s mood – the timing of the trip has been chosen to account for her calmest waters!
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Each day, you’ll practice techniques for long exposures, shoreline panoramas, and low-light landscapes
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Each evening, we’ll camp backcountry-style in individual tents under the stars, choosing & setting up our own spots. Where we’ll stay for the night will remain flexible to ensure our safety. Our aim is to arrive at the Dog River on the first day of paddling and camp there 2-3 nights, with a night or two at one of the other harbours
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We’ll enjoy hearty meals prepared for us, using a variety of fresh foods and backcountry cooking techniques ​
Trip Highlights
Dog River & Denison Falls
One of the true gems of this expedition is the Dog River, which offers a stunning combination of rugged shoreline and rich wilderness scenery. We’ll explore the mouth of the river, where the tannin-stained waters meet Lake Superior against a backdrop of both rugged and wave sculpted shorelines and cobble stone beaches - a landscape tailor-made for dramatic compositions.
From our campsite at the mouth of the river, we’ll hike a 5 km round trip inland to photograph a series of impressive waterfalls cascading through the boreal forest - a rewarding trek that provides opportunities for long-exposure and intimate landscape photography.
McCoy’s Harbour
A serene, protected harbour surrounded by turquoise waters and windswept pines. The calm water here often mirrors the dramatic landscape, perfect for reflection shots and minimalist compositions. The panoramic views stretch endlessly to the horizon.
Minnekona Point
This remote and rugged section of coast is quintessential Lake Superior - sculpted bedrock, crystal-clear waters, wrapped in the feeling of an intimate cove. Its isolation makes it a powerful setting for wide-angle vistas and creative foreground work.
Watch the video to get a taste of the adventure!
Who this trip is for:
Photographers who want an immersive wilderness photo experience: beginners who are comfortable with basic outdoor skills, intermediates seeking better coastal techniques, and experienced shooters who want a guided route to remote photo subjects. Our small group size allows us ample opportunity to fully explore each stop.
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This will appeal to those who are comfortable camping and enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer. Many hands make light work, so we all pitch in with loading and unloading the canoe, pulling the canoe ashore, and paddling. We set up our own tents (provided), but have found pairing off helps speed up the task.
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No prior voyageur-canoe experience required - the canoe is very stable, and our wilderness guides will coach paddling technique and safety.
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As with most adventures in the great outdoors, this tour requires a moderate fitness level. You will be getting into and out of a large canoe at the water’s edge; walking on uneven rocks and shifting sand; carrying your own gear; and sleeping in a tent on the ground.
What's Included:
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Voyageur Canoe & paddling instruction, backcountry camping setup (including tent, drybags for clothing etc.) and meals while on the route
What You'll Need:
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A camera, a range of lenses (wide angle to short tele), tripod, drybag for camera equipment, layered clothing for variable lake weather and cool evenings, a sleeping bag (can be rented from NSA)
Booking & Payment
Ready to book or want more info?
Space in the boat is limited, so contact Helen or Andrew to reserve your seat now!
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Voyageur Canoe Photo Tour Fees:
The total cost of the tour is $2,840 +hst
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Early bird discount! Receive a 10% discount when you register and pay the deposit before March 31, 2026
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Due to applicable laws in Ontario, the fees owing for the Voyageur Canoe Photo Tour will be paid separately as follows:
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Photo Tour payment to Andrew McLachlan by eTransfer or PayPal (+3% to cover PayPal fees):
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$1,150 plus HST
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To register, a 50% non-refundable retainer of $575 +hst is due on booking.
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The 50% balance owing for the photo tour fee is due by May 1, 2026 and once paid is non-refundable.
Voyageur Canoe / Meals / Camping Equipment payment to Naturally Superior Adventures:
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$1,690 plus HST​
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To register, a 50% deposit payment is due at the time of booking
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The 50% balance payment is due by Friday, June 12, 2026.
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**All participants are required to sign release/non-disclosure/non-compete waivers for both parties. You will also be required to complete a dietary & medical form for Naturally Superior Adventures / Rock Island Lodge so they may accommodate any special requirements.**
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To book your space please email Helen at info@helengrose.ca
Space is limited to 9 participants so don't delay!
This trip runs with a minimum of 7 participants.